Robert 'Rabbie' Burns

Robert or 'Rabbie' Burns is world famous as a poet of humble origin who rose to become one of the most influential and widely read poets of all time. Although much of his work was written in the 'Scottish Dialect' it was read and appreciated for its simplicity, empathy with nature and its sometimes cutting wit.

Although born and raised in rural Ayshire, Robert Burns spent a number of years in Dumfries and Galloway as a Tenented Farmer at Ellisland Farm near Dumfries (Visitor Centre open to the public), before becoming and Exciseman, moving to a house in Dumfries which can still be visited today. Also worth a visit is Robert Burn's favourite 'howff' or pub, The Globe Inn where much of his time and money was spent.

After his premature death on 21st July 1796 at only 37 years of age his body was interred in the nearby cemetry at St.Michael churchyard eventually being moved in 1815 to a mauseleum more befitting his growing status. His long suffering wife Jean Armour lies besdie him and there is a bronze statue dedicated to Jean near the entrance of the churchyard.